BY RANDY McNUTT
The Cincinnati Enquirer
HAMILTON -- In Joe Nuxhall's hometown, even graduation can't stop a baseball game.
Students at Hamilton High School, last year's Division I state champion, celebrated their 1998 winning team Thursday while players left for Columbus and the state semifinals.
"It's tough to do this on graduation night," Coach Dan Bowling said. "It's different than getting behind your basketball team during the regular school year, but I know we'll be well represented (in the stands)."
The team will play against Lakewood St. Edward at 3 p.m. today at Bill Davis Stadium. If successful, Big Blue will play in the state championship game at 3 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. Saturday, depending on the opponent.
"Our students have been very supportive of the team," said athletic director Larry Wood. "So have the faculty and the community. Baseball is a big thing in this area."
He said 28 wins and 4 losses so far this year demonstrate the team's ability and tenacity.
Mr. Bowling said the team's backbone is its four starting seniors: Matt Hubbard, second base; Jason Roark, shortstop; Jeremy Whittlesey, outfielder; and Josh Smith, designated hitter.
The team's No. 1 and No. 2 hitters, Matt and Jason, are batting over .400.
"The team is real focused," Mr. Bowling said. "We're the only one of the teams that has been there (in the semifinals) before. So we know what to expect, what the situations are."
He also knows what to expect. The vocational teacher has been coaching Hamilton High baseball since 1983. In his first year, the team went into post-season play. It returned last year, when Big Blue had a 28-2 record during the regular spring season.
Thursday, the team practiced behind the school, before a pep rally was held.
"A television reporter asked me why Hamilton gets behind its sports teams so much," Mr. Bowling said. "I think the reason is that we're a smaller city with one newspaper and one radio station." Tradition helps, too.
Current major-leaguer Mark Lewis, a former Cincinnati Reds player, graduated from Hamilton High. The city is also the original home of "Hamilton" Joe Nuxhall, the Reds' longtime broadcaster and the youngest player to appear in the big leagues, at age 15, in 1944. He won 17 games in 1955.
Through the years, Mr. Wood said, Hamilton has been a hot corner of baseball activity.
"Everybody enjoys the local teams," Mr. Bowling said.
